America in Prophecy by Ellen White [Modern Version]

of the narrow street to the eastern extremity of the town, vainly seeking a place of rest and
shelter for the night. No doors are open to receive them. In a wretched hovel prepared for
cattle, they at last find refuge, and there the Saviour of the world is born.
Heavenly angels had seen the glory which the Son of God shared with the Father before
the world was, and they had looked forward with intense interest to His appearing on earth
as an event fraught with the greatest joy to all people. Angels were appointed to carry the
glad tidings to those who were prepared to receive it and who would joyfully make it known
to the inhabitants of the earth. Christ had stooped to take upon Himself man's nature; He was
to bear an infinite weight of woe as He should make His soul an offering for sin; yet angels
desired that even in His humiliation the Son of the Highest might appear before men with a
dignity and glory befitting His character. Would the great men of earth assemble at Israel's
capital to greet His coming? Would legions of angels present Him to the expectant company?
An angel visits the earth to see who are prepared to welcome Jesus. But he can discern
no tokens of expectancy. He hears no voice of praise and triumph that the period of Messiah's
coming is at hand. The angel hovers for a time over the chosen city and the temple where the
divine presence has been manifested for ages; but even here is the same indifference. The
priests, in their pomp and pride, are offering polluted sacrifices in the temple. The Pharisees
are with loud voices addressing the people or making boastful prayers at the corners of the
streets. In the palaces of kings, in the assemblies of philosophers, in the schools of the rabbis,
all are alike unmindful of the wondrous fact which has filled all heaven with joy and praise--
that the Redeemer of men is about to appear upon the earth.
There is no evidence that Christ is expected, and no preparation for the Prince of life.
In amazement the celestial messenger is about to return to heaven with the shameful tidings,
when he discovers a group of shepherds who are watching their flocks by night, and, as they
gaze into the starry heavens, are contemplating the prophecy of a Messiah to come to earth,
and longing for the advent of the world's Redeemer. Here is a company that is prepared to
receive the heavenly message. And suddenly the angel of the Lord appears, declaring the good
tidings of great joy. Celestial glory floods all the plain, an innumerable company of angels is
revealed, and as if the joy were too great for one messenger to bring from heaven, a multitude
of voices break forth in the anthem which all the nations of the saved shall one day sing:
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2:14.
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